Not too long ago, I had a delightful conversation with Mr. Andrews, who is the author of multiple New York Times best-sellers, a sought-after speaker, and all-around nice guy. We discussed the craft of writing, the magic of storytelling, and why fiction matters more than we realize.

Whether you tell true stories or not, you probably aren’t that different from Andy. We all have the ability to bridge the gap between our experiences and a world in need of inspiration. The trick is figuring out how to reach them, and the answer just might be learning to tell better stories.

In this episode of The Portfolio Life, I talk with Andy Andrews about his new novel, The Noticer Returns, what it takes to tell a great story, and why we all need a little more perspective in life.

Click to listen

To listen to the show, click the player below. You can also download it at iTunes or on Stitcher.

About Andy and his new novel

Andy Andrews has been called “one of the most influential people in America.”

He is the author of several bestsellers, including How Do You Kill 11 Million People?, The Noticer, and The Traveler’s Gift, and a popular public speaker.

Andy has spoken at the request of four different U.S. presidents and was called “the best speaker I have ever seen” by Zig Ziglar. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons.

His latest book, The Noticer Returns, is about how little things can make a big difference — if we choose to notice them. This book, though fiction, was actually inspired by a real person, which Andy and I talk about in our interview.

I hope you get a chance to listen to our chat and take a moment to consider how the stories you’re living can be used to make an impact.

Resources

I love giving you extra resources in addition to these podcasts, so here go some goodies galore:

Watch Andy’s free video series: The Guided Traveler Experience. In it, he talks about goals, time management, and how to live the life you dream of. Sign up for no cost by clicking here (and don’t miss the special bonus that you can download at the end).

If you’re wanting to read more but don’t feel like you have the time, I recommend Audible, an audiobook resource I use to read several books per month. Sign up today, and you’ll get a free book.

And if you’re in need of some extra inspiration, check out my friend Grant Baldwin’s podcast, “How Did You Get into That?”, which tells the stories of how people discovered their life’s work. I was recently a guest, and we discussed the topic of calling. Listen here: Shining a Light on Your Calling.

Let’s connect!

If you’re enjoying this blog and podcast, I want to hear from you. Here’s how we can connect:

Leave a review of the podcast. By doing that, you are helping other people find the show and telling me what I’m doing writer, as well as what I can do better. You can do that in iTunes or Stitcher.

Are you near New Orleans? I’m going to be speaking at #FinCon 2014 September 18-20 and I’d love to meet you while I’m there. Get the details of my public meetup (feel free to bring a friend) and RSVP here.

Special Announcement: I want to invite you to a live, online training TODAY, Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 3:00 p.m. (CDT) called “Mastering the Habit of Daily Writing” (convert to your local time zone here). There will be no pitch and no upsells, just an hour of teaching from me. All you have to do is register. I know this is short notice, but if you can’t make it go ahead and register anyway. All registered guests will receive a replay link via email. Sign up here.

How has a change in perspective changed your life? Share in the comments.

100 thoughts on “019: Andy Andrews: What a Change in Perspective Can Do for You [Podcast]”

Adopting a child completely changed my perspective on life. It forced me to look through the eyes of unfairness more than ever before. It taught me to let go of myself more. And it taught me so much about the human desire & need for trust & consistency & structure.

I have begun actively practicing gratitude in my life and it has made such a difference in my perspective. I even have weekly posts to the “Five Simple Things” I’m grateful for that week. Practicing gratitude helps shine a positive light in both bright and dark times.

The cultivation of gratitude in my life is paramount just as yours is. Sometimes my gratitude begins as a pin prick in the dark, but if I persist, it grows into a lamp post shine then eventually into the rays of the sun.

Elevating my perspective has allowed me to realize that I have nothing to lose. Someday I will be lying in a grave. Therefore, I take more positive risks in putting myself out there. Perspective has changed my life because I now embody the following truth on a daily basis: the profit is for the risk-taker (and for the one who persists)

When a chronic illness takes over you life you either give in to defeat or embrace it by looking at it through God’s eyes. Looking at life through God’s perspective brings peace, understanding, acceptance, strength, and unspeakable joy. A change of perspective will force us to experience life the way God intended and walk in the ultimate purpose for which we were created.

Perspective change is everything. Similar to when you said I am a writer. Nothing changed but everything changed. How you think, act, and present yourself just to name a few. When my perspective changed with my writing to giving people the opportunity to read what I am saying instead of trying to get people to read my material. I have had such a peace and focus it has been amazing. Blessings on your journey Jeff.

Having just gone though a really scary and tough time with my daughter this last yea my perspective on control has changed. I realized that although I think I can generally control what is happening in my life, in reality I have very little to no control. This is where the rubber meets the road with Jesus. Will I trust him with the very life of someone I hold dear? Will I trust enough to stop scheming and planning and thinking about it twenty four seven? Do I know that Jesus love is ever so much more than mine? It’s like jumping out of a plane with the trust that your shoot will open and you will safely float down to earth. Once I did stop and just let Jesus do the work in my daughter and so much in me! There was a peace that passes all understanding and I could function daily as I needed to without obsessing about her. It wasn’t instantaneous, sometimes hourly I needed to say out loud, “Jesus, you love her more than I.” But once I let go then Jesus did a mighty work and my dreams came true and she was safe and home. Since then I have tried to hold on very loosely to things knowing that Jesus loves me and my love ones more than I can fathom and He knows what is best. I have seen in other circumstances His mighty hand work if I just wait and watch and act when He frees me to. This has changed me into a person that has every so much more peace and freedom. For I know who has the future.

Once, years ago, I believed I was nothing, an inadequate person deserving no love or grace in my life, and, yet, at the same time I believed everything revolved around me. This way of thinking malnourished a life worth having and left me with a multitude of broken relationships, as well as a broken soul. Through a series of events, I connected with new people, who showed me a better way to view the world, and I found the essence of living in the details, which had very little to do with me, except that I get the honor and privilege to share this life with others, to witness them where their at, and to be of service to them. I’m a healed woman, who, regardless of outside conditions, has love and happiness in her life, and it is definitely a life worth living.

sorry, didn’t get the message sent correctly. I could so relate to your post. Broken soul …. yep, that was me. I am looking at a going to a church that feeds me as I have been unhappy where I am. My pastor won’t preach on any issues that he thinks will upset the congregation (sexual immorality) and I watch the young people in our church getting pregnant… and it bothers me. I just want them to get it right so it doesn’t screw up the rest of their lives – yes, it is part of the parents job but the church should also show that it isn’t in God’s plan that there be sex before marriage for a host of reasons.

I have SO much to learn in this life still and I don’t have a lot of years left. One of my big issues is anger… and hurt. Sometimes, its just time to grow up! Jones would say this for sure!! Looking forward to reading the new book but think I will reread the Noticer and use a highlighter this go around!

A change in perspective for me usually derives from others’ wisdom around me. It’s as if my own ideals and biases are exposed for myths and I’m able to be challenged to move in a different direction. It can be a bit scary because my footing seems secure in everything I have built up in my mind; yet, the reward is wonderful when the inaccurate perceptions are challenged by other people’s wisdom. This, in turn, causes me to be transformed and find solid footing in life’s endeavors. – Joel

I used to think that when it came to certain subjects, I knew more than most people that I met. I thought that I knew more about leadership, communication, and confrontation. However, by making that assumption and placing myself in a place higher than other people, I was limiting myself from learning more.

There’s nothing wrong with acknowledging your expertise in an area, but thinking that most people have nothing to offer you has been one of my biggest pitfalls.

When I shifted my perspective, I began to learn from people younger than me, strangers that I met for the first time, and began to recognize the special kind of wisdom that exists in the multitude of people around you.

Losing a 33 yr old son, three years ago, was a shock—waited 3 months for the autopsy report–morphine toxicity. He lived w/ his dad, who has a prescription for morphine, so I blamed his father, my ex…
when you blame someone, whether it is true or not, you are the one who suffers…you are the one who goes through the motions of living…until…friends gently, & firmly point out that any time you mention the “blamed” your voice & countenance changes, and then offer to pray for you, right here, right now! GOD IS A HEALER!!!

My change of perspective came with the loss of a job of 16 years that I loved. What it has done though is changed my perspective on where I need to focus my time and energy. The change has opened my eyes to what I was missing. My family. My faith. My community. Here’s to the #Next3Decades.

After losing a child, a perspective shift was the difference between making it through each day, or not. I had to shift to the perspective of seeing through the eyes of spirit what my son’s journey might be like on the other side, and why his short life had to be the way it was. From the perspective of flesh, there is only pain. From the perspective of spirit, there is life and joy to be found again.

I truly think that Andy Andrews is really on the right path here as far as storytelling and lessons in life. I believe that we each have a story to tell and he has shown us how to reach within and tell it. While listening to his interview I found myself jotting down a story from my childhood that I had forgotten. I can only imagine what his books will bring out once I start to read them. Thank you for sharing this and bringing this wonderful speaker to us all. Andrea

Wow…After 4 miscarriages, I became very negative and upset all the time. I felt let down by God and hurt by other people. It was only when I changed my perspective and started focusing on my blessings instead of my pain that I became (or started to become-it’s still a process) happy again.

My perspective changed when my 18 year old son had a shotgun accident and became addicted to painkillers. I never knew what the families of drug addicts as well as the addict himself went through. I try to help other families who are going through the same struggles we did.

Our family pretty much fell apart in 2011, when my husband had a complete breakdown. We both come from horribly dysfunctional upbringings and our coping mechanisms were so faulty they finally shut down. Since that time, and with the help of friends and much therapy and prayer, we have both gained entirely new perspective. We were both saved as children and lived a Christian lifestyle before, but landing in the bottom of the pit forces you to completely let go of all the control you think you have and finally let God do His thing! We have an entirely new outlook, as we now view our relationship with each other, with our children, and especially with the Lord through faith-colored glasses, and it has brought much healing and restoration.

My perspective has changed many times as I hear the stories of people who come into my life. Most commonly I have my perspective changed my my 6th grade students everyday as I hear their stories and what their thought process is.

Changing perspective from viewing things from the world economy to God’s gave me the freedom and the choice to come at challenges from the stance of love instead of getting my own needs met. Depending on One greater to handle things in His way. That freed me to move forward without hinderance. Without looking back.

My perspective changed in relation to who is really the boss of my life. LOL. I found out it was not ME!!! God has done some wonderful things since I have let go of trying to control. I am thankful that he did not cast me away, only let me steam in my own juices until I came to realization.

Perspective can change everything. Moving from the big city (California) to a small town (Alabama) can be a challenge and uphill battle, especially if your thinking is not in check. I moved to marry my best friend. While my husband was encouraging, I had to decide for myself to shift my own focus and think in terms of blossoming where God planted me. It’s so important to remember that the same God who was with you on the mountain is with you in the valley, and vise versa. I have a heart for people whose homes are far away. I get it. Your family is far and you feel alone sometimes. But remember that like the Noticer Returns, God will NEVER leave you. He will always return for you.

When my wife moved out last year my perspective was definitely tested. I pray she’ll return, but, even if she doesn’t I’m just as committed to fulfilling my vow to keep her as my one and only as long as we’re both alive. It makes me realize this life is not about my happiness alone. My promise before God is as strong as ever.

My perspective took a turn for graceful when my husband and I left church 8 years ago and never returned. We love God, we see him every day, but he was hidden from us within the noise of a pious congregation and it’s hypocritical messages. God changed the way we see life, the way we perceive his love for us and made us gentler, more compassionate people.

Sometimes your perspective can only change out of a brave decision that can change your life for the better!

My perspective changed when my daughter narrowly survived drowning two years ago, was rushed to Arkansas Children’s Hospital with a prognosis that said she would be months in the hospital if she survived at all, and then walked out under her own power with absolutely no damage whatsoever 10 days later. God listens to prayer and there was a lot going on for her nationwide thanks to KLOVE radio and some great blog posts. I’ve always been a believer but that experience showed me God does still work miracles. Since then I’ve watched and I see His power at work more than I ever would have believed before that time.

My life changed when I chose to change my perspective. Isn’t it always a choice? God broke through all the hurt and pain I carried as a result of being the daughter of an alcoholic mother, and challenged me to forgive her completely. As I chose to do this and to honor her for simply being my mom, I felt the bitterness and resentment of five decades dissipate. Praises to my faithful LORD who enabled me to serve her the last four years of her life!

Having a change in my perspective has altered my life. At least it has altered how I perceive my life! My husband was recently diagnosed with MS. After a period of grieving, we realized that this IS our life now. We can whine and complain about how this illness is affecting us, or we can look at this as the ending of what we have known but the beginning of what the rest of our lives can now become. Instead of feeling defeated, we are pressing in and seeing what we can do to make a difference for others facing this same journey.
Changing our perspective pulled us out of the spiral of desperation and helped us to refocus on the here and now. Every day has become even more important and valuable. Every person we meet is a promising encounter.
Even when a change in circumstances is not an option, a change in perspective can alter your world.

Brenda: I love your message and attitude. I read a book by a woman whose son is in prison for life – this young man had everything good you can imagine going for him & in a moment of fear for his stepchildren, he shot their father – this mother named her book, “the new normal”. I thought of that when I read your post. You have a new normal, too, but you are right: its a matter of perspective how you live it. I am rooting for you both as you go day to day through your new normal. Remember, you are never alone: God is a wonderful companion!

My change in perspective is in reading these posts. When it gets down to it, I really need very little, though I would love the book, there are too many others who have posted that deserve it more.. I can’t tell you how touched I am by the stories others have written. God bless them all! Thanks, Jeff, for having asked this question; I am encouraged by your reader’s posts! Loved the interview with Andy! Just got a video of seeing him in Dallas in July at Gateway. He is remarkable!

My change in perspective changes my life daily. I learn something new daily and so grateful to my Savior that I have a new day to start over and make a difference. I do not have any dramatic story other than living my life for Jesus!

There have been many changes of perspective in my life…I need them, like we all do. But one that has maybe changed my life the most practically was when one of my best friends was sent to jail on false charges and not allowed to be in contact with minors, which included me. Shortly after that, my other best friend was told not to speak to me either because of family issues that were going on at the time. I was feeling very lonely for a long while, and I couldn’t tell what God was doing.

But over time it forced me to change my focus of what I was doing with my life. I had to come to terms with what my job was, separate from supporting and encouraging those particular friends, who were now taken away from me.

Husbands triple bypass was a shift in perspective. An embracing of life like never before. Thankfulness for the little things. Here are a few more life altering perspective bringers; children, move across the country, job change, ministry, missions, loving people recovering from addiction, grand babies, a garden grown to maturity and every good book I ever read.

I am a runner, and one of my favorite mantras has always been “I can and I will.” Those five words have gotten me through so many life changes and events that I cannot even count them all. It can me something as simple as going to a party that I didn’t want to leave the house for to running multiple marathons in a few years. Whatever it is, if it is a challenge for me I say those five words and my perspective shifts to believe them.

Prospective…it’s always interesting as to how it changes. It’s nice to see that in the majority of comments, here, the changed prospective had positive impact on their authors, but what happens when the impact isn’t so positive? Or when one goes from positive to negative? For example, after having numerous relationships, my positive prospective toward the opposite sex had been, understandably, somewhat lacking. Through a miracle, I met a man who was kind, gentle, and protective. We were best friends, sharing our hopes and dreams, and, eventually, married. I couldn’t believe my good fortune and finally believed in love, again, which only deepened with each passing year.
Then, after eleven years, I received a note from his girlfriend. As it turned out, he had only been with me, putting up a front of happiness, for his own gain of security…eleven years of a facade.
So, it makes me ask…do the changes in our perspectives change our lives, or do the changes in our lives, change our perspectives?
I believe it works both ways.

Perspective…it’s always interesting as to how it changes. It’s nice to see that in the majority of comments, here, the changed perspective had positive impact on their authors, but what happens when the impact isn’t so positive? Or when one goes from positive to negative? For example, after having numerous relationships, my positive perspective toward the opposite sex had been, understandably, somewhat lacking. Through a miracle, I met a man who was kind, gentle, and protective. We were best friends, sharing our hopes and dreams, and, eventually, married. I couldn’t believe my good fortune and finally believed in love, again, which only deepened with each passing year.
Then, after eleven years, I received a note from his girlfriend. As it turned out, he had only been with me, putting up a front of happiness, for his own gain of security…eleven years of a facade.
So, it makes me ask…do the changes in our perspectives change our lives, or do the changes in our lives, change our perspectives?
I believe it works both ways.

I’m very sorry you had this experience. Eleven years of deception must be very difficult to overcome. To you I’d say, your story isn’t over yet. You still have the opportunity to learn and grow in positive ways to overcome what you’ve been through, take that pain and make changes to improve life for yourself and others. I’ve had some very dark moments in my life as well, but I chose not to stay there. Bad things happen to everyone, but your perspective of them decides whether it will be a catalyst to something better or a millstone to drag you down. I pray that God will bless you and bring you comfort and after you’ve overcome this with God’s grace, you’ll be able to reach back and help others with what you’ve learned from your own painful experience. That way, you still win! Don’t ever let anyone keep you down!

Thank-you for your insightful response, Cyndi. You’re right, of course, and the pain of deception and betrayal do take some time to get past. But, as you said, we all have “dark moments” in all of our lives…such is life. So, your perspective of an experience can continually change, depending on time and what you do with it 😉

My perspective is different when I get out of my own way. When I stop looking at how things relate to, or affect me, I am more able to see and marvel at God’s work. Too much self-focus gets between me and God.

I rarely listen to podcasts because they’re often full of waffle, but I really enjoyed this one – thank you! Couldn’t agree more with what Andy says about the value of reading fiction – it has so much to teach us about ourselves, other people, and the world we inhabit. And as he says, the best non-fiction, like Malcolm Gladwell’s books, are full of fascinating stories.

I grew up loving to read, but was made to feel reading was “lazy” and just escapism. I also grew up believing I had no imagination or creative talent. After completing an English degree, I abandoned writing, believing I needed to do something “useful” and embarked on a career in mental health nursing.

30 years later, a very recent change in perspective has made me realise I need to read and write almost as much as I need to breathe. I have blogging to thank for this, because the response I’ve received from people reading my blog has made me realise I really can write. I’m now having a ball learning how to write fiction, having unearthed the imagination that got buried all those years ago.

My change in perspective has been to say to myself, “Thank You Lord,” almost constantly. When I feel negative emotions and reactions crop up, or let my mind wander to an unpleasant experience, I try to stop myself and focus on my many blessings. I intentionally try to be aware of and grateful for each blessing, daily.
Judi G. Reid

Changes in perspective are like the gems of what we hope for in this life. They’re like the miracle of which we’re grateful for–an act of transformation that leaves us meek. Such experiences lie outside of our realm of security, holding the power to heighten our awareness and understanding of the life we all share. A change in perspective is undeniably what we feel resurrects our souls in periods of time where our light feels faded…to radiant embers of empowerment, purpose and insight. We can only hope for more of such treasured gifts in this life as our perspective evolves. It is only through our brevity, and courage that we may continue to move outside of the comfort of our own selves along the path of not just the obtainment of such enlightening rewards, but the gift humility and gratitude as well.

My perspective change was realizing that when we each chase after our own agendas, we lock horns in a confrontational way with others that is destructive at best, but when we learn to lay down our own goals and agendas and genuinely strive to help others reach their goals, Opportunities and circumstances open up to us and often we find we reach our own goals without the struggle and strife.

I’ve had so many changes in perspective over the course of my life that comes from having what I call, “many lives inside of one life” that I can’t see the forest for the trees anymore. I’m tired and no longer focused in any one thing. I don’t know where I belong, where I fit or what I want to do. I have too many interests and no longer can focus on my goals. My biggest goal is to be a writer and I am literally lost. I have so much writing done and have zero clue on how to pull it all together and I’m beyond frustrated with it all.
I guess, any change in perspective for me comes from my daily walks in nature where all I can say to myself is, “one step at a time and you’ll get home” (write your book, etc…) and being in nature reminds me that everything gets dealt with in its own time. Everything is provided, everything has a plan and all I have to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other and having trust in the unfolding process.

I stopped focusing so much on what I wanted to say and began looking at it through my readers/clients perspective. What do they want/need to hear. That’s really hard. So I just asked them. It is completely changing the response I get from people. This is really helping me to stay connected and to give them something they actually want. This definitely isn’t a concept I came up with by myself.

That is part 2. I have a really hard time not being a lone wolf… at everything. So listening to and applying advice from experts is really helping me to grow. I am slowly coming to the realization that we is MUCH better than me.

Just reading the challenging stories here in the comments gives me a change in perspective! How amazing that God can take different people in such unique settings and bring each one into a place of greater wisdom. A miracle.

“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32), said the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Reading the words surrounding that verse will shed even more light on one’s path.

Acceptance of changes in perspective (read “right thinking”) in my own life saved relationships, and allowed me to escape severe depression. Another miracle!

There is an unwritten code to success or rather prominence. Not all of us will make it into history books but we’re all writing our own history, everyday. We fill pages everyday with the decisions we make and take.

When we’re all grey, seated in a bench and thinking back all that we have done, the past will begin to play back like a movie.

A change in perspective may come in many ways, but losing my adult daughter to suicide was a huge eye opener for me. In life you really need to walk a mile in another’s shoes before you make any judgement. You never know what is going on in another person’s head, life. I am much more compassionate.

One of the biggest shifts in perspective for me that keeps me in a constant state of wonder is knowing I have no idea what I do not yet know. This knowing feeds my curiosity and shows me new pathways and solutions that once would have surprised me.

One of the greatest changes in perspective for me was the day I finally realized that it’s better to be great at one thing than good at many things. I had heard that idea many times before, but I tried to ignore it. “I want to be great at many things!” I told myself. Eventually, I found out that for me, it’s not only better but also more rewarding to be great in one area.

Once I realized, after loads of hints and later punches from life in the form of burnouts, depression, more burnouts that life is more about Being than Doing I finally could listen to my innermost dream, my innermost purpose and my whole life became rich in experiences, new friends and even more new perspectives instead of being filled with a wellpaid job and loads of stuff which is totally not richness.
By Being who you are born to be all the Doing becomes effortless as you are Doing through Being.
Thank you life for showing me this!

Our son’s teachers are learning a system of “restorative process” where those in authority (parents, teachers, bosses, etc.) are shown how to change toe-to-toe confrontation to side-to-side guidance. One of the staff shared how she forgot this training in the heat of the moment, and started getting angry at her 16yo daughter. But suddenly something turned. Her daughter shifted gears and came alongside her mother to walk the two of them to resolution.

This humbling experience showed that her daughter had been paying attention. And it proved to me that the process works when the culture is built to support it.

As a teacher, I feel a lot of pressure from colleagues to view some students as “worthless.” You know the ones: frequently absent, in trouble all the time, responds to any kind of help with attitude or sarcasm. But when my wife and I became foster parents, it changed not only how I view young people but also how I view all people. No one is worthless. I had also been reading my Bible more fervently and as I studied the Gospels, I was reminded how Jesus spent time with the “worthless” and through his love, mercy and grace gave them worth, or rather revealed their worth to them. I realized then that when I view someone as worthless, I discount that person’s value in God’s eyes. When I view someone as worthless, I forget that Jesus lived and died for ALL mankind, not just the righteous. I was reminded that none of us are worthy of this great sacrifice but he died because he loves us and wants to rectify and reconnect us to God.
It may look gullible to my colleagues, but I treat all of my students with unconditional mercy, patience, grace, and love. This isn’t easy, but the combination of a new glimpse into the Gospels and becoming a foster parent has renewed my faith is the value of others in the eyes of God.

I was starting to really see a lag in my business and seeing more bad moods because of it. I went back and reread MASTERING The Seven DECISIONS that determine personal success and I am totally back, Thank you Andy Andrews

Up until about 4 years ago I really struggled with people pleasing. While I do fall into this trap every now and then, people pleasing does not control my life. 4 years ago a few wise individuals spoke truth into my life and reminded me of my purpose. Once my perspective changed, I was no longer constrained by the chains of trying to please others. I am now free to live the life I was called to live. Now I can live without fearing rejection and I can confidently share my purpose in life. This change has brought great joy and peace!
{And I tweeted 🙂 }

Two things both having to do with authority have occurred in the past 7 years or so. First I am gullible even after 6 decades. In the 70’s I was told by a judge I couldn’t write anymore books or I would be prosecuted! He was a federal judge and my attorney went along with him. Later I kept trying to stay in the lines if you will with worker’s comp. and it was only a few years ago I really started to say to h_ll with them. I pushed harder than I had ever before to get what I needed and broke rules I was told to adhere to or else. the last year I had improved more than in many years. This was not just my opinion but my caregivers! Granted I shouldn’t be in the position I am and I believe my wife would be alive today had I “disrespected authority ” long before this. My wisdom for those who follow is “Question Everything” for the Truth!

Thanks for sharing a great podcast with us. I just finished reading “The Noticer Returns” while on vacation and LOVED IT! I learned much about perspective, which I think is imperative as a writer and life in general. Not only did I learn about perspective, but the book led me (and will continue to lead me) to be a better observer. Part of my trip was spent sitting quietly journaling sights and sounds and all I could absorb. Had I not been reading “The Noticer Returns”, I probably wouldn’t have engaged in that activity. Sometimes we need to sit silent and take situations and settings in, which isn’t always easy for me. But the payoff is a better understanding and perhaps a different perspective.

Mr. Andy is certainly a storyteller. Sounds like he’s the perfect storyteller to listen to around a fire. Thanks for giving us an Andy Andrews experience, Mr. Jeff. He has quite a story of his own—from homeless under the pier and people’s garages to giving us real life lessons on leading effective lives. He puts the fire where it belongs, and as he says, proof is better than motivation or encouragement. Listening to him is motivational. Thank you, Mr. Jeff.

Bestselling author and creativity expert Jeff Goins dismantles the myth that being creative is a hindrance to success by revealing how an artistic temperament is, in fact, a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

For centuries, the myth of the starving artist has dominated our culture, seeping into the minds of creative people and stifling their pursuits. But the truth is that the world’s most successful artists did not starve. In fact, they capitalized on the power of their creative strength. In Real Artists Don’t Starve, Jeff Goins debunks the myth of the starving artist by unveiling the ideas that created it and replacing them with fourteen rules for artists to thrive.

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